{"id":8333,"date":"2021-08-16T08:47:11","date_gmt":"2021-08-16T15:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/?p=8333"},"modified":"2023-06-27T07:49:55","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T14:49:55","slug":"7-secrets-to-student-independence-during-centers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/7-secrets-to-student-independence-during-centers\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Secrets to Student Independence During Centers"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a first-year teacher, I dreaded center time. Mostly because I didn\u2019t yet know that the secret to getting my students to work independently during centers was to train them. I didn\u2019t yet know how to train my students well and I wasn\u2019t consistent. And I was certainly no expert in student engagement. <\/span>In this post I\u2019ll share the specific actions I took that changed all that and made my small group and center time one I looked forward to. I’ll share with you my 7 secrets to student independence during centers.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you teach student independence during centers?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The goal of literacy centers is to provide our students with meaningful independent activities in order to create time for small group instruction. Students working independently is key. But you may be asking, \u201cHow do you get students to work independently during centers?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how:  Your literacy center time can run like clockwork, and your students <\/span>can<\/span> work independently, when you take the time to train them. Teaching independent work skills is as important as teaching routines and procedures<\/a>. The following steps are the keys to students\u2019 independence and engagement during centers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/b>1. Establish Routines<\/b><\/h2>\n

Students succeed in classrooms when there is a set routine they can learn to follow. Some of those routines include: how they begin working, voice levels, rotating between different centers, turning work in, and clean-up. All your routines and procedures<\/a> should be taught, modeled, and practiced. Once routines have been put into place, be consistent in maintaining the expectations. Learn all the important routines to establish and <\/span>how to start centers at the beginning of the year<\/a><\/strong> with this link.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Free word builder letters tiles <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Model Expectations<\/b><\/h2>\n

Setting high expectations for centers will help students to be successful. This goes for routines like transitions and labeling a center assignment, voice levels while working, and the quality of work students produce. Model exactly what it is you expect from students and do not deviate. Allowing students to chat off-task while working or to turn in poor quality work one day but not the next will send mixed messages. Maintain your expectations so that students can count on consistency and develop good habits. Consistency gives students the security of always knowing what is expected and what is being asked of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/b>3. Build Stamina<\/b><\/h2>\n

Most students do not start the school year off with a high level of stamina when it comes to working independently. This is something that must be practiced. During the first week of centers, gauge how long your students can work independently. Try to avoid centers that are much longer than that. Slowly over the next few weeks, increase your expectations for independent work time by introducing centers that will take slightly longer. Slowly increasing their center tasks will build stamina but not overwhelm students.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/b>4. Reinforce Positive Behavior<\/b><\/h2>\n

Choose positive behavior reinforcement<\/strong> <\/a>over punishment or consequences whenever possible. Positively reinforcing the proper behavior<\/a> will help students to stay on task and work independently. Often, we just need to compliment a student on how well they are working quietly and independently. This encourages other students to do the same. It also reminds students that you are always monitoring things regardless of where you are in the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Invariably, you will have a student or two who just can\u2019t work by themselves. They struggle to stay focused, engaged, and on-task. There are several strategies you can use to support students who struggle to work independently, but I\u2019ll save those for another post coming soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Supporting student engagment during centers<\/b><\/h2>\n

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<\/b>5. Strategically Group Students<\/b><\/h2>\n

Strategically forming your groups can support student independence during centers. Properly grouping students<\/strong><\/a> is key to running centers successfully. Consider grouping students by mixing up genders, abilities, and strengths. Group an on grade level student with a student above grade level. Group a student who struggles with a student that is on grade level. I avoid grouping students that are below grade level with each other. Proper grouping will allow students to work with their peers when necessary and also to go to them for help when needed. Mix up girls and boys as is necessary in your classroom to promote healthy peer relationships and decrease conflict. Consider keeping group numbers to two or three when possible. This allows for less distractions.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/b>6. Use Consistent Center Activities<\/b><\/h2>\n

Consistent activities support student independence during centers. Center time is not the time to introduce new material. Everything students work on during this time should be review work. Center time is for students to practice skills they are learning in class, at their level. Using <\/span>centers with consistent<\/strong> directions<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and activities, but with changing skills each week, decreases the amount of confusion or questions students have and will make centers easier to manage<\/a><\/strong>. Make sure you have properly introduced all skills to students. Use your center time for students to practice skills, not to learn new ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

I’ve created a series of phonics resources that include consistent, daily center activities. Sign up below and I’ll send you a sampler of centers for 5 different phonics skills!<\/p>\n